| Costa Rica |
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Costa Rica is Central America's jewel. It's an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors and an ecotourism heaven, making it one of the best places to experience the tropics with minimal impact. It's also mostly coastline, which means great surfing, beaches galore and a climate built for laziness. And, a very nice setting for medical tourism.
Costa Rica's enlightened approach to conservation has ensured that lush jungles are home to playful monkeys, languid sloths, crocodiles, countless lizards, poison-dart frogs and a mind-boggling assortment of exotic birds, insects and butterflies. Meanwhile, endangered sea turtles nest on both coasts and cloud forests protect elusive birds and jungle cats.
Costa Rica is located in Central America and can be reached from most US cities within 7 to 10 hours.
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Country Information
The Republic of Costa Rica is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south-southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Costa Rica was the first country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army.
Long controlled by Spain, Costa Rica gained its independence in 1821, and became a true Central America success story. Driven by agricultural products (especially coffee), and strong technology and tourism industries. Costa Rica has a high standard of living, especially when compared to other nearby countries.
Costa Rica has avoided the violence that has plagued Central America; it is seen as an example of political stability in the region, and is self-referred to as the "Switzerland of the Americas". Since the late 19th century only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Costa Rica has been one of the few countries to operate within the democratic system without the assistance of a military.
Costa Rica (Spanish for "Rich Coast"), although still a largely agricultural country, has achieved a relatively high standard of living. Land ownership is widespread and Electronics is a rapidly expanding industry.
Costa Rica is a stunning land, with much of it heavily forested. The coastal areas are ringed with mangrove swamps, and beautiful white, sand beaches.
Please be advised that the Costa Rican government charges a USD $26.00 fee to exit the country. This fee is payable in cash or by Visa credit card. [top]
Language
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. English is the second language. [top]
Religion
Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%. [top]
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